What Works: Evidence-Based Solutions
While the problem of gender-based violence is vast, there are proven solutions. Here are three rigorously evaluated programs that demonstrate measurable impact and offer lessons for scaling effective interventions.
1. Reshaping Gender Attitudes
Program: School-based program proven effective in promoting gender equal views
Developed by: NGO Breakthrough
Evaluation: Conducted in Haryana between 2013 and 2016
Scale: Reaching 800,000 students across government schools in Punjab and Odisha
This program demonstrates that early intervention in schools can shift attitudes and promote gender equality. By engaging students at a formative age, Breakthrough has created a scalable model that reaches hundreds of thousands of young people.
2. Police Reform for Violence Against Women
Program: Police reform program effective in increasing case registration of violence against women
Developed in collaboration with: Madhya Pradesh Police R&T Dept
Evaluation: Done across 180 police stations in Madhya Pradesh
Scale: Scaled-up to 999 police stations across Madhya Pradesh
This program shows that systematic police reform can improve response to gender-based violence. By working directly with law enforcement, the program has successfully increased case registration and improved police handling of violence against women cases.
3. Sexual Harassment Training
Program: Sexual harassment training program proven effective in reducing sexual harassment perpetrated by men
Developed by: NGO Safecity
Evaluation: Conducted in Delhi University colleges (2019-2022), targeting 5,405 men and women
Impact: Trainings led to increased awareness and reduction in harassment rates in colleges
This program demonstrates that targeted training can reduce harassment in educational institutions. By engaging both men and women, Safecity’s program addresses the root causes while building awareness and changing behavior.
Key Lessons
These three programs share common elements that contribute to their success:
- Rigorous Evaluation: Each program has been evaluated through randomized controlled trials or rigorous impact assessments
- Scalability: All three programs have been scaled beyond their initial pilot sites
- Evidence of Impact: Each program demonstrates measurable outcomes – from attitude change to reduced harassment rates
- Partnership: Collaboration with government, educational institutions, and communities has been key to success
Why Evidence Matters
These programs prove that evidence-based interventions can make a real difference. As Aparajita works to identify and scale solutions, we look to programs like these that have been rigorously tested and proven effective.
Through GBV Solve, we aim to identify and support the next generation of evidence-based solutions that can be scaled across India.